Kukla's Korner Hockey

On Oct. 8, when San Jose opens the 2014-15 season against Los Angeles, it’s possible John Scott, Mike Brown, and Micheal Haley could be in uniform. The Sharks re-signed Brown, acquired from Edmonton last season, to a two-year extension. They locked up Scott and Haley on the free market.

Scott is the most dangerous fighter in the league. Brown totaled 94 PIMs between San Jose and Edmonton. Haley, who once busted short-term Bruin Chris Clark’s nose in a preseason fight, recorded 131 PIMs in the AHL last season.

“As we integrate more younger players to our team, John’s presence alone can act as a deterrent and help keep teams and opposing players honest,” GM Doug Wilson said in a statement after signing Scott.

That’s a whole lot of toughness to fill a mythical position — the player who keeps his teammates safe.

In theory, Dustin Brown wouldn’t have wrecked Tomas Hertl’s knee last year had one of the musclemen been present. The fear of Scott caving in his face would have discouraged Brown from targeting Hertl.

Baloney.

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